A Game of Remembrance and Renewal
Rutgers is set to meet Boston College in the second contest of the 2026 season, a meeting that aligns with the anniversary of the September 11 attacks and serves as the Eagles’ annual Red Bandanna tribute to alumnus Welles Crowther, the firefighter who became a symbol of courage on that tragic day.
The ceremony will also honor the 37 Rutgers alumni who perished in the attacks, a somber reminder that has been woven into the program’s recent narrative, especially after the university commemorated the loss in a prior contest.
Historically, Rutgers holds a favorable record against Atlantic Coast Conference opponents, and the Scarlet Knights enter the matchup with confidence built on several winning seasons against ACC teams.
Adding to the story, former Boston College quarterback Dylan Lonergan has transferred to Rutgers, bringing a fresh arm to the backfield and raising expectations for a more dynamic offense under head coach James Franklin.
Boston College’s Path to Redemption
Boston College finished the 2025 campaign with a 2‑10 record, winning just one conference game before the season’s end, a performance that prompted a sweeping overhaul of the roster.
First‑year head coach Bill O’Brien, a veteran of several NFL and college programs, has instituted a new quarterback competition featuring transfers Mason McKenzie and Grayson Wilson, while the backfield will rely on returning backs Evan Dickens and Nolan Ray.
The defense, which ranked 128th in total yards allowed last season, has been bolstered by the addition of Kris Jones and KJ Sampson, aiming to climb the defensive rankings in the upcoming schedule.
Despite a slate that includes tough road tests against Cincinnati, Virginia Tech and other ACC powerhouses, the Eagles are projected to improve on their previous win total, though they remain underdogs against Rutgers.
The upcoming contest thus embodies both a tribute to a national tragedy and a pivotal moment for two programs seeking to define their trajectories in an early‑season landscape that promises drama and significance.